I am warning those who have not finished the series . . . and there must be still a few of them by now. . . that there are spoilers ahead. I have just finished the last book . . . having spent an enjoyable evening with it thanks to Sams Club and an indulgent wife.

I am done with Harry Potter and enjoying the literary aftertaste the way one enjoys a fine meal almost as much after it is done as when it is being consumed . . . though it is a bit sad that the series is finished.

And it is really finished . . .

Will one be able to re-read the books with pleasure?

I think the answer is only a tentative yes. If one knows the puzzles and the secrets of the book, it will not take away the charm of the characters or the fun of a good Quidditch match, but the first read will always be the best.

The strength of these books is in the plot and the second read, when everything is known, will be satisfying for finding all the clues to what happens . . . but I am hard pressed to know if I will want to re-read them a third or fourth time.

A really great book is as good on the fourth read . . . and some childrens books (Little White Horse) are better.

I deeply enjoyed the last book and thought the ending satisfying. For those who found them quite Christian, they will find much in this last book to give strength to their idea.

I think Scrimgeour is more of a Lincoln type - blow off the Constitution for the Bigger Purpose. Not to start a fight or anything ... it's definitely admirable, in a way, and certainly not an indicator of personal evil or weakness.

Uh oh! Careful with that! :-)

Actually, I really don't know enough about Lincoln (other than what I was taught in grade school) to really comment on that. Isn't that sad?

I think my next book should be a Lincoln biography.

300
posted on 08/01/2007 12:19:48 PM PDT
by The Blitherer
(What would a Free Man do?)

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